What is a POS system?

Point of Sale (POS for sale) - The aggregate of sales of goods on a per-item basis.

In addition to POS, it is called PC POS, POS system, POS register.

The most significant advantage of the POS system is to collect sales performance information such as product name, price, quantity, date and time. It is easy for the management to understand "when, which product, what price, and how many" has been sold. We can also collect data about the purchased goods and the buyer's age group, gender.

POS systems can be seen in supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, apparel shops, speciality shops, food service industry, gas stations, hotels, drugstores (pharmacies). Its functions have evolved from year to year, but in recent years the simplified version has become popular in general shops.

Classification of POS systems

POS system with integrated housing

This model is mainly used in convenience stores and supermarkets and is also referred to as "PC based POS."

It is a computer system for performing a specific task that is built into office computers. The OS that is used to controlling it called "embedded OS".

Many POS systems using Windows Embedded (OS for embedded systems developed based on Microsoft's PC OS) have also been seen recently.

PC POS System

The peripheral device for POS is set on a typical PC and used as a POS

PC POS is a POS application installed on a PC such as Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, etc., and the POS register is called "PC POS". PC POS system is built as a system that always moves under a standard environment regardless of manufacturer, model, or OS. It is possible to inherit software, hardware and model exchange.

* In USA, the POS system used in the form of a personal computer and the POS system that has the shape of a cashier created by a POS manufacturer are called "PC POS".

Tablet POS System

Rent is collected by the deposit settlement method, but some tenants pay fixed rent in the same mall.

For example, large shops that expand nationwide may have fixed rent because cash does not enter the deposit machine to deposit the sales.

POS register that is utilizing tablets such as iPad has been introduced to many restaurants and retailers.

A dedicated app installed on a tablet (iPad, a thin computer equipped with Android, Windows, etc.) and put it in the POS register is called "Tablet POS". Most services are delivered in conjunction with cloud systems, without to build a dedicated network. If you have a Wi-Fi environment and a tablet terminal, then you can start it immediately. That way, you can reduce the initial installation cost compared to "PC POS" and "PC base POS". In recent years it has become rapidly accessible in retail outlets such as restaurants and apparel.

5 Essential Tips for Buying a POS

The POS is the front line in many trade businesses. However, this essential component is often neglected in the planning phases. The POS can be an integral part of operations like sales management, stock monitoring, measurement of productivity. It will contribute to a better workflow and the growth of your business. In the wrong way, it can cost you a lot of money.

POS systems vary depending on the type of business. A restaurant is different from a cafe, a club or catering company. To determine your needs, you have to first establish your company's parameters such as size, style, and location. Analyze which POS system is used by similar businesses. Analyze before you make your decision. It is to help you with this analysis that we leave our five essential tips to buy a POS.

  1. Price

Many sites start their business with a cheap POS solution. However, usually after 12 months, they have to need to upgrade with a robust, feature-rich, or reliable POS system. Not only it is expensive to buy two systems, but there are additional "gross" costs, such as a malfunction or reduced functionality. Start with a basic configuration that can grow. Verify the other Free POS software and hardware. Such as inventory management software or kitchen display system that are available from the same vendor or partner to ensure seamless integration and support.

  1. Feature

Quality is defined by experience and proven track record in a particular area. For example, if you want a POS system for a restaurant, contact companies that have provided POS systems for other similar sized restaurants. Does the supplier have sufficient experience in your industry? Receive referrals before making your decision.

  1. Accessories (and integration)

Kitchen pads and displays may look great solutions but start with the basics. Receipt printers and cash drawers are essential, while scanners or mobile devices are needed only in certain operations. At the initial stage, it is necessary to always keep in mind the cost/benefit ratio of each option. Ensure your vendor has the flexibility to grow with you and the ability to integrate with third-party applications.

  1. Implementation

Verify that the vendor can customize the POS software, and it includes training for long-term system management. For example, a cafe that starts with basic POS. It needs a more complex system that incorporates credit/debit card payments, digital signage, mobile orders, kitchen display, and a customer loyalty program.

  1. Support

This element is critical and must be readily available both locally and internally. You don't want to deal with third parties. POS support should cover the software and hardware components. On the other hand, this should be available outside the working hours, since nights, weekends and holidays for many businesses.

Follow these tips to increase the odds of getting the first time when buying your POS system. Ensure a faster return on investment by increasing your productivity and sales efficiency.

The 7 Tips for Choosing the Best Selling System (POS) for SMEs

The new requirements and the emergence of new technologies have determined that currently are required to issue electronic payment vouchers. So it is essential to make a correct and informed decision to choose the supplier that best suits your business needs.

Today's market offers complete software that can manage this need and also can add value to the business. Adding tools such as POS System or POS, automatic inventory control, electronic ballot, customer loyalty programs and permanent support.

How to identify the best POS System with Electronic Invoicing?

First, the tool chosen by you must be simple, friendly, and flexible to make the migration with the system as smooth as possible. It allows you to keep all sales operations controlled in the office and grow along with the business. To analyze and choose well, you need to ask yourself these seven key questions:

  1. Does the solution have excellent after-sales service?

 

  1. Is the software friendly to use?

 

  1. If you are a company that sells products, does the system allow inventory control? If you offer services: Can you see who paid you and who owe you?

 

  1. Does the program allow you to issue invoices and view this information online?

 

  1. Does the system allow you to analyze billing and generate reports that help make the right decisions?

 

  1. Does the software allow you to generate all the types of tax documents that you require today and in the future?

 

  1. Does the software have product masters and customers that save typing time and can differentiate access permissions?
  2. After Sales Service

It is a crucial point when choosing a POS System. An excellent After-sale service will allow you to be accompanied at the time you need it. You need to select a reliable supplier who can answer your questions and deliver you a solution on time.

To achieve the above successfully, you must notice that the option has multi-platform customer support: call centre, chat, tickets, phone, social networks and emails.

We recommend that you opt for the solutions that are leased, rather than the ones that work under license. It is because the after-sales service of those operating with a lease system is usually better.  In the opposite case, the license model is becoming obsolete.

  1. Usability

Another thing you need to look at is the friendliness of the software. Choosing an intuitive solution will make you feel comfortable when working with this new tool, avoiding frustrations and operational errors.

  1. Inventory

Studies have shown that businesses can lose more than 14% of profits by running out of products that the customer wants to buy (inventory break). Automatic inventory control will allow you to save storage costs due to expired or stolen products. To do this, make sure that the solution chosen by you has inventory per branch and consolidated and have the option to import the information from spreadsheets, which can able to bill with a click.

In the case of offering services, the stock is not relevant, but the accounts are receivable. It is necessary to look for software that allows you to consult online who has paid and who has not, to facilitate the collection.

  1. Connectivity

Nowadays you can see everything is over the internet. Choosing software that allows you to make electronic invoices online will give you the flexibility to the bill from anywhere and with any computer or device that are connected to the internet. It also guarantees access to your sales information remotely and from any connected device. You will also be able to know things like best seller product, which product you need to replenish or which one you should offer for low turnover.

  1. Reports

Search for an online reporting option that gives you information like sales by branch, by seller, by product, and by customer. Having this strategic information will allow you to analyze what you sell, and you can make the right decisions. Through these automatic reports, they will save you many working hours to making excel spreadsheets.

  1. Types of DTE

We recommend that you should look for an E-Billing solution that has all tax document options. It is Ideal for you to choose a solution with long-term thinking. If you are about to export, then the software should consider an export invoice.

  1. Product masters and customers

Finally, we recommend choosing a system that has a master, which allows you to make invoices with one click. It will save you a lot of time.